Support with utility bills
Help with energy bills
Some of our highest costs come from heating and running our homes - but there are often things that can be done to cut those costs. If you can't pay your energy bills now, contact your energy supplier.
It's also worth planning ahead now, before the colder months, so you can get things in place and make the changes you need.
Support you can access yourself
Information on saving energy and reducing your bills at home is available online from many sources.
This advice can help you to:
- Visit Simply Energy Advice to reduce your energy use
- Visit ofgem who explain and help understand your energy bills
- Visit Go Compare and try out their Energy cost calculator to find out how much it costs to run common household appliances and compare them against each other.
- Could you could benefit from having smart meters installed
- Visit United Utilities, save water, save energy which provides useful tips on how to save energy and how to save water in your home.
- If you have a water meter there are tips to reduce the amount of water you use, which will help reduce the cost of your water, on the Save Water Save Money website.
Household Support Fund
The Household Fund is to assist residents most in need, in the Preston area, to help with significant rising living costs, It is intended to help those who do not have enough resources to meet immediate short term needs and require assistance with essential items over the coming months.
Visit the Household Support Fund
Apply for money off low carbon heating technologies
Check the Boiler Upgrade Scheme guidance and how to apply.
Advice for business
The energy regulator Ofgem offers a general guide to business gas and electricity use.
Support if you can't afford to top up your prepayment meter
You can get temporary credit if you can't afford to top up your meter. Your supplier might add this to your meter automatically when you run out of credit, or you might have to contact them and ask.
Visit Citizens Advice to find out who your energy supplier is if you are unsure
If you're struggling financially and have a pre-payment meter, you might be able to get a fuel voucher.
This is a code given to you in a letter or in a text message or email. You can use it to add credit to your gas card or electricity key. If you don't have one of these, contact your supplier to get one.
You can contact your energy provider and ask for a 'fuel voucher' if:
- you have less than £4 on your meter; and
- you don't get paid for several days
A fuel voucher is a £49 voucher that can be applied to your meter. The vouchers can be applied up to twice in one year and you don't have to repay them.
Energy advice or if you're struggling to pay arrears
Contact your energy supplier and tell them you're struggling to afford your bills. Your supplier has to help you find a solution. Talk to them about a payment plan that works for you - this means making payments you can afford over a fixed period of time.
Visit Citizens advice for information on what to do if you're struggling to pay your energy bills.
If you have gas, electricity or water arrears that you're struggling to pay, you can find out about grants and benefits to help you pay your energy bills on the Citizens Advice website.
The Energy Bill Support Scheme
The Chancellor of the Exchequer has announced an extra £15 billion of support for people dealing with the rising cost of living.
Cost of living payment
You may be able to get a payment to help with the cost of living if you're getting certain benefits or tax credits.
You do not need to apply. You'll be paid automatically. If you have had a message asking you to apply or contact someone about the payment, this might be a scam.
For more information visit our Cost of living payments page.
Disability Cost of Living Payment
Individuals on disability benefits will receive a one-off £150 payment in September to help with extra costs, such as for specialist equipment or transport.
This is in addition to the £650 Cost of Living Payment for disabled people who also receive means tested benefits.
Find out about cost of living payments
Winter fuel payments and Pensioner Cost of Living Payment
In the winter months pensioners can get between £100 and £300 to help pay heating bills.
This winter, they will also receive an extra one-off £300 Pensioner Cost of Living Payment, which will be paid as an automatic top-up to the Winter Fuel Payment.
Find out about winter fuel payments
British Gas Energy Trust
British Gas Energy Trust are an independent charitable trust set up to support families and individuals facing financial hardship and energy debt.
If you're struggling with your energy bills they may be able to help, no matter who your energy supplier is.
Find out about support from British Gas Energy Trust
Help with your broadband and landline phone bill
Broadband social tariffs provide a safety net for eligible households who might be struggling to afford their broadband and phone services. Different options are available to people in receipt of benefits.
